Sachem Maqua - Chief Dwaine Perry

Dwaine C. Perry currently resides at his childhood home, in the Ramapough Lenape’ “Deer Clan” community of Hillburn, New York. In residence is his wife of six years, Pat. He is the father of two daughters, Susan, and Leah, and Grandfather to a beautiful new Granddaughter Madison Hubbard.

Dwaine proudly served his Country in the U.S. Army, during the Viet Nam war, where he was a member of an Unconventional Recon group working the Cambodian Border.

Upon return to the United States, Mr. Perry entered Rockland Community College, obtaining an Associates Degree. He earned a Bachelors Degree from Pace University, and a Masters of Science degree in Community Economic Development, (MSCED) from Southern New Hampshire University. He is currently considering a Doctoral Candidacy .

Mr. Perry, an activist and champion of human rights from a very young age, grew up during the civil rights era. He soon came to understand the injustices and inequities suffered by all people of color. The very town in which he lived, was at that time, divided by a demarcation line between white and non white populations.

Due to the efforts of Thurgood Marshall of the NAACP, and the strength and solidarity of the local American Indian Community, Dwaine was able to benefit direct from the strength of those who had come before and understood their sacrifices on behalf of all of the Native People, so that following generation could better attain equality in all aspects of their lives.

As a standard practice of the times, despite excelling in High School, Dwaine and other students of color were encouraged to drop out of school amid the belief held by school Administrators, that students of color lacked the capacitytosucceed. ThesepersonalexperienceswouldprovideDwainewithinsights,motivatinghimtopursueand promote social equity through activism.

In 1965, Dwaine integrated the first Barbershop in Suffern, New York. Soon thereafter, Dwaine became instrumental in establishing Rockland Community College’s first Student Union for people of color, with the aide of other indigenous students, and encouraged by the College’ first President, Dr. Eschow.

Mr. Perry also mentored under the Honorable Conrad Lynn, and aided in establishing the “Hillburn Concerned Citizens Committee”. The “HCCC” function; focused on aboriginal rights, and would become the precursor to the reformation of the Ramapough Len ape Tribal structure.

Today, Dwaine Perry continues to be an active proponent of Human rights, while focusing primarily on Aboriginal rights. He has served on numerous Boards of Directors, Councils, and Committees in a variety of capacities. Currently Mr. Perry serves as “Ngeckeeyiiee”, or “Chief”, and “Sachem”, to the Ramapough Len ape Nation, The aboriginal people of New Jersey.

In his capacity as Chief, he has availed his many assets and resources in the areas of Community Economic Development. Recently he has traveled to the Himalayas, South America and Through out Turtle Island, building and/or renewing Government to Government relations. He proudly represented his Nation, at symposiums and networks locally and nationally to develop joint community and sustainable growth projects.

Today Chief Perry works tirelessly to develop programs and to assure equal service delivery for the benefit all of the Ramapough Lenape People, as he continues to serve the cause of Humanity.